DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings backup goaltender Jonas Gustavsson made quite an impression after coming off the injured list and getting thrown into the lineup after Jimmy Howard injured his hand.

Gustavsson, 28, today was named the NHL's first star, after going 3-0-0, with a 1.67 goals-against average and .953 save percentage last week.

He recorded victories on consecutive days for the first time since Jan. 23-24, 2012, posting 28 saves in a 3-2 win over Boston last Monday and stopping 36 shots in a 2-1 victory over Columbus on Tuesday.

Gustavsson then handed the Colorado Avalanche their first loss of the season, making 38 saves – the fourth-highest total of his NHL career and most since Nov. 19, 2011 (with Toronto) – in a 4-2 victory on Thursday.

"It’s important for us to have two good goaltenders and obviously we know what Howie’s capable of,'' coach Mike Babcock said. "(Gustavsson) gave us a chance to win every night. You got to give him credit.

“It’s important for the team to know (he’s reliable), it’s important for him to know. It was real positive for us. It’s like anything, it’s three games, he wants to keep building on it.’’

Said captain Henrik Zetterberg: "He played really good, really aggressive, played with a lot of confidence and kept going. He probably stole those two points in Colorado.’’

Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby was named the second star and San Jose's Patrick Marleau the third star.